This post covers things to do in November in London, including nighttime, free, and family-friendly options, all updated for 2023.
November can be a great time to visit, with temperatures still well above freezing and little rainfall during most of the month.
Costs for hotels and flights costs about as low as they get during the entire year, so this is a good time for budget travelers.
As local tour guides, we compiled this list based on our own experiences.
We also lead thousands of people each month through the streets of London, and on every tour, guests like you ask us questions about the city.
We also grabbed ideas from the roughly 125k members of our popular London Travel Tips Facebook group.
The group consists of locals, like our tour guides, expats, veteran visitors, and newbies to London.
You don't need to join in order to read the posts, comments, and recommendations.
Check out the group once you are finished reading this post.
- Top 10
- Free Things to Do
- Nighttime Activities
- Family-Friendly
- How is the Weather?
- Free Tours By Foot
For ideas of things to do at any time of year, check out our master post of things to do in London.
TOP 10 THINGS TO DO IN NOVEMBER
In this section, we will give you our own top 10 list of entertaining activities available in London during the month of November.
For more popular activities in London, make sure to check out our other popular London posts:
Some of the attractions we will mention below are included for free with several of the many tourist attraction discount passes.
1. Go to a Live Concert
London is full of music venues and you can be sure that no matter which month you’re in town there will be a big-name artist or group performing.
This November is no different, with multiple big tours coming through the London area.
Concerts
- Rick Astley | November 1st, 2nd
- Fall Out Boy | November 2nd, 3rd
- Norah Jones | November 11th, 16th
- 50 Cent | November 11th, 17th, 21st
- Greta Van Fleet | November 14th
- Louis Tomlinson | November 14th, 17th
- Queens of Stone Age | November 15th
- The Prodigy | November 24th, 25th
Music Festivals or Events
- London Jazz Festival | November 10th-19th | various locations | feat: Sergio Mendes, Cory Henry, London Brew, and many more
- Pitchfork Music Festival London | November 7th-13th | various locations | feat: Lutalo, Porches, Ezra Collective, and many more
There are also Gospel Sundays, shows that cover gospel, spirituals, ragtime, and blues music. These take place at Rich Mix in Shoreditch.
Click here to see even more concerts in London in November.
2. Attend the London Jazz Festival
If you’re a fan of Jazz, the EFG London Jazz Festival is one festival you won’t want to miss.
Over 10 days, with over 300 shows at 60 venues, you’ll have the opportunity to hear some of the best performers in the world.
In addition to various concerts, there will also be events aimed at teaching children all about the genre.
This year the festival takes place November 10th - 19th.
Ticket prices vary depending on which event you choose to attend, but there are some activities that will be free to attend.
Visit the London Jazz Festival website for more information.
3. Enjoy a Night of Stand-Up Comedy
Who doesn't need a good laugh? Luckily, London is chock full of comedians, many of whom have shows in November.
Stand Up Comedy
- Sarah Millican | November 8th, 9th
- Tom Allen | November 18th, 19th
- Peter Kay | November 18th
- Trevor Noah | November 25th
Comedy Shows/Events
- Off Menu: Live | November 19th, 20th
Comedy Clubs
- Always Be Comedy
- The 99 Club
- Camden Comedy Club
- The Bill Murray Comedy Club
- Headliners Comedy Club
- Laugh Train
For even more great stand-up, check this list of comedy shows in London.
4. Take a London Walking Tour
If you’re interested in learning more about the city of London, you might want to consider taking one of our pay-what-you-wish walking tours.
We offer a variety of tours that cover several different areas including the following options:
- Westminster
- Kensington
- Soho, Piccadilly Circus, Chinatown
- City of London
- London All-in-One
- London Docks
- Brixton
In addition to those options, you can also take a themed tour focusing on topics such as Jack the Ripper, Harry Potter, and Sherlock Holmes.
Finally, anyone looking for a more quiet and personal outing may want to think about taking either a self-guided tour or one of our GPS-enabled audio tours instead.
For more details on these services, make sure to read our post about London Walking Tours.
5. Save Some Money With a Tourist Pass
There are several London tourist attraction discount passes which allow you to save money on popular activities.
Some services also provide skip-the-line admission, making it easy to save time as well.
While some tourist passes provide admission to dozens of different attractions over the course of a set number of days, others offer the option to pay for a specific number of attractions instead.
In addition to those options, you can also build your own pass and save 20% on as few as 2 different attractions.
This is a much easier option that doesn’t require much thought or preparation.
Here are some of the best places you can visit using a London tourist pass:
- Hop-on-Hop-off Bus Tour
- River Thames Cruise
- View from the Shard
- Churchill War Rooms
- St. Paul’s Cathedral
- Westminster Abbey
- The Queen’s Gallery
- Tower of London
- The Royal Mews
- Tower Bridge
Depending on which pass you choose and how you use it, you could save anywhere from 20% - 50% off general admission prices.
For more details, please read our post covering London tourist attraction discount passes.
6. Attend the Theatre
The West End of London is home to some of the most well-known theatres in the city such as the Theatre Royal Drury Lane, Gielgud Theatre, Apollo Theatre, Palace Theatre, and many more.
Performances have been taking place in this part of the city since 1663!
From long-term residencies to short runs, here is a list of musicals and plays you can see in November
- The Phantom of the Opera
- Les Miserables
- Wicked
- Mamma Mia!
- Matilda - The Musical
- TINA - The Tina Turner Musical
- Six The Musical
- Moulin Rouge - The Musical
- The Lion King
- Hamilton
- Frozen
- Ain't Too Proud: The Life and Times of the Temptations| through January 2024
TIP: The London Sightseeing Pass includes an Encore Theatre Passport you can use to get tickets to many of these musicals.
Also, some holiday shows begin their runs in November, so check our post on Christmas and Holiday Shows to see what's playing.
7. Go to the Regent Street Motor Show
Even if you don’t fancy yourself an automobile aficionado, chances are you’ll find something of interest at this event.
Showcasing over 125 years of motor history, you can expect to see some of the oldest running autos alongside the most innovative technology in the industry.
In addition to all of the cars on display, you’ll also have the opportunity to see interactive exhibits and live entertainment at the show.
Best of all, this family-friendly event is entirely free to attend!
Events take place on November 4th. Visit the Regent Street Motor Show website for additional information.
For more affordable activities, please read our free things to do section.
TIP: The Regent Street Motor Show will run all the way from Piccadilly Circus to Oxford Circus. Since you will be in the area, make sure to check our post for things to see at Piccadilly Circus.
8. Celebrate Bonfire Night/Guy Fawkes Night
In celebration of Guy Fawkes Night on November 5th, several traditional events take place in the days preceding.
The Yeoman of the Guard at the Houses of Parliament will check the cellars to make sure that there is no Gunpowder Plot afoot.
While this is happening, many citizens of London will take part in burning effigies of Guy Fawkes at bonfires.
Although these are fun and interesting traditions, the easiest activity to enjoy will be the fireworks shows.
During this event, there will be several fireworks displays available all over London.
Here are a few locations you can visit during Bonfire Night to see fireworks:
- Battersea Park
- Southwark
- Victoria Park
- Brockwell Park
- Wembley Park
- And More!
If you’re looking for some other fun nighttime activities, make sure to check our things to do at night section.
9. Observe Armistice Day/Remembrance Day
Armistice Day/Remembrance Day takes place on November 11th, 2023.
This event is all about honoring and remembering the moment when WWI came to an end.
It is traditional to set aside some time during the day to share a moment of silence for the lives lost during this historic battle.
One of the biggest attractions will be a parade held at the Cenotaph in Whitehall.
The Queen will be in attendance along with several representatives of the military.
It will be crowded, but one of the free things folks can do in London.
As you might have guessed, you can expect traffic delays during both Armistice Day and Remembrance Day.
That said, there are plenty of interesting activities to enjoy throughout the city.
One location you may want to consider visiting is the Churchill War Rooms, which can be found just a block away from the Cenotaph.
TIP: With some roads being blocked off during this weekend, you might want to consider using the London Underground to get around.
10. Watch The Lord Mayor’s Show
In celebration of each new Lord Mayor of London, the city throws a huge celebration early in November.
More than 500,000 people turned out for the parade.
During this event, you can expect to see a lot of pageantry as a coach pulls the new Lord Mayor down a three-mile stretch of London.
As such, even if you don’t take part in this ‘day out,’ you can expect a lot more traffic and more difficulty reaching many locations in the city during the Lord Mayor’s Show.
With a history dating back to the 16th century, this is one of the most popular events in London.
To this day, many traditions from hundreds of years ago are upheld and followed by both the Lord Mayor and everyone taking part in the pageantry.
There are hundreds of floats planned and 6,000 performers on hand, so there will be plenty to see and experience during this show.
- Admission is free
- Date: November 11th
- Learn more about road closures.
- Find out more about the Lord Mayor’s Show.
NOTE: The procession of the Lord Mayor’s Show always passes by St. Paul’s Cathedral. If you’re interested in visiting this location, make sure to read our post about how to get free entry to St. Paul’s Cathedral.
FREE THINGS TO DO IN NOVEMBER
In this section, we will offer a few different ideas for free things you can enjoy in London during the month of November.
Check our post about free things to do in London for more possibilities.
If you’re looking for more fun and free activities, make sure to check our other sections for events such as going on a walking tour, listening to some music at the London Jazz Festival, or going to the Lord Mayor’s Show.
See Holiday Lighting Displays
The holiday season is right around the corner, which means that there will be quite a few people putting up lights for Christmas.
In addition to individual displays, you can also expect several notable locations to start the season early.
We have a post with more in-depth information about these locations.
Oxford Street is one popular site that will light up the cold November nights.
This display is typically very traditional and simplistic, with lit baubles strung across the road and seemingly hanging in the air after dark.
If you’re looking for a slightly more modern take on holiday lighting, consider a trip to Carnaby Street.
In years past, the display included lyrics from the popular Queen song ‘Bohemian Rhapsody.’
Although there’s no way of knowing exactly when most of the lighting displays will be switched on this year, it’s very likely that most of them will start up sometime in November.
This is a great free activity and many of the locations where you will find holiday lights displays (including Oxford Street and Carnaby Street) are very close to stops included on hop-on-hop-off bus tours.
If you’re already done with the tour and you still have a few days left on your ticket, consider using this service to go on your own little Christmas lights tour!
Go to a Free Museum
There are several museums you can visit for free in London.
Some of the more popular locations will actually have some interesting exhibits available during the month of November.
Although general admission is free for most of these museums, some exhibits and attractions will require a ticket.
Here are a few of the more popular options:
If you’re looking for even more places to visit, make sure to read our post about free museums in London.
Experience the Changing of the Guard
No matter when you choose to visit London, you’ll probably have an opportunity to witness this event.
This ritual is always free to see, and you can learn more about the best viewing areas by reading our post about the Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace.
The only thing you’ll have to pay for is transportation, and there are many ways to get here.
Depending on where you’re staying in the city, you could just decide to walk there, but this might be a bit of a trek for many visitors.
Thankfully, you will find both hop-on-hop-off bus tour stops and four London Underground stations nearby.
NOTE: If you’re interested in visiting, keep in mind that you can also see both the Queen’s Gallery and the Royal Mews while you’re there. For more information, please read our post about Buckingham Palace tours.
Go to a Winter Festival
With the holidays right around the corner, it probably won’t come as a surprise that there are several winter festivals and events taking place throughout the month of November.
One of the most popular yearly events is Winter Wonderland at Hyde Park which always starts at some point in November.
This festival will include several shows and activities, including Christmas markets full of stalls where you can shop for gifts, food, and much more, as well as Santa Land.
Another great option is the Southbank Centre Wintertime Festival.
This is more of a Christmas marketplace than anything else, but you are entirely free to visit and take a look around starting in mid-November.
If you’re looking for a different kind of winter festival or activity, consider one of the following additional attractions that will be available starting this month:
- Christmas at Kew | November 15th–January 7th
- Country Living Christmas Fair | November 8th–11th
- Eat and Drink Festival Christmas | November 22nd-26th
TIP: There are nearby stops provided by hop-on-hop-off bus tours for some of the Winter Festival locations. If you’re already planning on using one of these services, this could be a great way to get from one event to the next.
THINGS TO DO AT NIGHT IN NOVEMBER
The following section will feature a variety of activities you can enjoy after dark in London during November.
Read our post about what to do in London at night for more possibilities.
For additional ideas, make sure to check our other sections for attractions and events such as seeing the Christmas lights, going ice skating, experiencing Bonfire Night, attending a concert, or seeing a musical.
Take a Night Walking Tour
Like our walking tours mentioned above, our evening tours are also offered on a pay-what-you-like basis so no matter what your budget, you can join us.
We have 6 evening/night tours including a Harry Potter Film Location tour, a Twilight River Walk, and night versions of our classic Westminster tour and the City of London tour mentioned above.
For the braver souls, our Jack the Ripper tour and our London Ghost tour are waiting just for you. For availability, check our calendar.
For even more inspiration on how to spend your evenings in London, take a look at our nighttime activities guide to the city.
Celebrate St. Andrew’s Day
On November 30th, Scottish people celebrate St. Andrew, the patron saint of Scotland.
Although it’s not a bank holiday in England, you can still expect a lot of people in London to take part in the celebrations.
Many of the celebratory events held on this day take place in the evening, making this an excellent idea for something to do after dark.
As a matter of fact, there’s actually a St. Andrew’s Day Ball held at Whitehall Palace.
If that sounds a bit too dressy for you, consider a meal at restaurants such as the Scottish Stores or Boisdale.
If you plan on using a hop-on-hop-off bus tour, consider making a stop at areas such as Kings Cross and Victoria Station, as you will find popular Scottish restaurants nearby.
Drink Moonshine
Enter the Wild West at one of London’s most interesting cocktail experiences at The Moonshine Saloon.
Guests will travel back in time as they descend into a hidden Western world.
Smuggle in a bottle of your favorite spirit, covertly hand it to the bartender, and they will craft specially made moonshine out of it.
But watch out for the sheriff - he’s always on the lookout for smugglers!
FAMILY-FRIENDLY ACTIVITIES IN NOVEMBER
This section will include a few different family-friendly activities you can enjoy in London during the month of November.
If you’re looking for even more possibilities, consider reading our guide to visiting London with kids.
For additional ideas, make sure to check our other sections for attractions and events like free museums, seeing Christmas lights, and going to the Regent Street Motor Show.
Experience Hogwarts in the Snow
Starting in November, Warner Bros. Studios in London will be altering their Harry Potter tour to add snow and a wintery backdrop to each set.
Locations such as The Great Hall and the Gryffindor Common Room will be decorated for the holiday season, and the Hogwarts Castle itself will be given a nice blanket of snow.
If you’ve got any fans of the franchise in your family, this is an obvious choice you won’t want to skip over.
- Dates: November 11th – January 14th, 2024
- Duration: 3 ½ hours
- Location: Warner Bros Studio Tour London
- Purchase tickets or learn more.
- You can get 20% off with the use of a London City Pass
TIP: If you’re looking for a more cost-effective option, consider taking our pay-what-you-like Harry Potter walking tour.
Go Ice Skating
There will be more than a few skating rinks opening up during the winter, but there are a few popular locations in particular that will be open in November.
Alexandra Palace has skating year-round in a recently refurbished rink. There are also classes and special theme nights.
Somerset House begins its skating season in November. Skate in a courtyard surrounded by stunning neoclassical buildings.
Hampton Court Palace has an ice skating rink that also opens in November. Skate in the shadow of Henry VIII's Tudor palace.
Hyde Park has their Winter Wonderland each year, with a skating rink opening up around a Victorian bandstand.
Visit our list of London ice rinks for even more options.
NOTE: If you’re interested in going to the Natural History Museum, make sure to check our free things to do section for more information about general admission.
Go to the Enchanted Woodland
In addition to all the great Christmas lighting displays that are going up all over the city, there is a similar event taking place at Syon Park.
The Enchanted Woodland is a special attraction that is only available in November. During this activity, many park areas will be lit up with a variety of dazzling decorations.
Visit the Enchanted Woodland website for more information.
TIP: If you are in the market for a more festive light display, the Kew Gardens are right across the river from Syon Park and their Christmas Festival begins on November 15th.
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